Description

These Homemade Taquitos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful ground beef. Easy to make at home, they can be fried or baked for a crunchy bite. Customize with your favorite fillings and toppings for a perfect appetizer or snack!

Ingredients

12 small corn tortillas

Vegetable oil (or avocado oil) for frying

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for alternatives)

1 small white or yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack, Tex-Mex blend)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole, fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Cook the Beef: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, for 6-8 minutes until browned.
Add Aromatics: Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 minutes until softened.
Season the Beef: Add tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Assemble the Taquitos: Warm corn tortillas, then spoon beef mixture onto each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese and roll up tightly.
Cook the Taquitos: Heat oil in a pan or deep fryer, frying the taquitos in batches for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Alternatively, bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 minutes.

Notes

Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with black beans, potatoes, or cheese.

Spicy Option: Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for extra heat.

Chicken Version: Use cooked, shredded chicken instead of beef for a different flavor profile.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Mexican, Comfort Food
Method: Stovetop (frying), Oven (baking)
Cuisine: Mexican